Vick's jersey still tucked away at Warwick

A Facebook campaign to restore Michael Vick's football jersey to a place of prominence at Warwick High has been sacked.

Michelle Price, public information officer with Newport News Public Schools, said the movement was started by a Warwick senior who wanted Vick's jersey restored before his graduation in June. Price said Warwick principal Rory Stapleton met with the student last week and told him the jersey would remain packed away.

"She didn't want it to become a distraction," Price said. "Students and community members were debating it, so there was a concern of vandalism and possible theft. The jersey itself is still in the school in a secure place."

Vick's No. 7 jersey was removed from Warwick's trophy case in October 2007 after the quarterback pleaded guilty to federal dogfighting charges. It had remained up during the investigation and came down only after his admission.

The decision was made by Warwick and not the school district.

Vick served 21 months in a federal prison and another two under house arrest. He returned to the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2009 and was named the league's Comeback Player of the Year and made the Pro Bowl last season.

A student who identifies himself as Mario Lawrence started a Facebook page titled "Michael Vick High School Jersey Reframed," which as of Thursday afternoon had 1,686 fans. Another Facebook page, called "Michael Vick Petition To Not Rehang His Jersey in Warwick High School," had 2,214 fans.